NFL: 2014 playoff predictions

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFC divisional playoff NFL football game in San Francisco, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
— AP

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFC divisional playoff NFL football game in San Francisco, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
/ AP

Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green is likely the best receiver in the NFL not nicknamed after a Transformer. The Bengals will take the next step when his quarterback, Andy Dalton, proves he can show up in a playoff game. Also, they will likely have the most salary cap space in the NFL heading into free agency.

THE DROPOUTS

Atlanta Falcons: The passing game can be prolific, but the running game is coasting on fumes. The defense is also suspect. They won't have the benefit of a soft division next season either, as I expect New Orleans, Carolina and Tampa Bay to all improve.

Washington Redskins: They will likely face some salary cap constraints, which could hinder them revamping their secondary. There's also Griffin's health to consider.

Minnesota Vikings: I truly feel it's a mistake to doubt anything associated with Adrian Peterson at this point. And yet, I still do. Just like I know I'm going to pay for ordering the seven-piece jalapeno poppers from Jack In The Box, but I do it anyways.

Baltimore Ravens: My gut tells me it will take some time for this team to adjust to life without Ray Lewis (and possibly Ed Reed). The Ravens will be in search of a new identity next season.

Indianapolis Colts: I still maintain Luck is the best quarterback in last year's draft class and he had the best rookie season. He ran Indy's offense without any constraints. Something Griffin and Wilson wasn't able to accomplish despite all the success they each had. Still, Indy won't be facing a last place schedule this time around, and its defense still needs to catch up to Luck and its offense.

THE REPLACEMENTS

New Orleans Saints: Sean Payton returns and "Bountygate" is behind them. Only Tennessee allowed more points last year, but only Denver and New England scored more. This offseason will be all about the defense.

New York Giants: A late collapse kept the G-Men from defending their title, but this team is too talented on both sides of the ball to stay down for long.

Dallas Cowboys: Hiring Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator will be the biggest non-head coach hire in the NFL this year. He and Rod Marinelli could make this defense elite.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have yet to miss the playoffs two straight seasons with Ben Roethlisberger as their quarterback. A healthy offensive line could make all the difference.

San Diego Chargers: All the negativity and this team still finished 7-9. An offseason focused on overhauling the offensive line and adding some athleticism to the secondary will do wonders. If anything, Jim Harbaugh has proven it doesn't necessarily take long to whip a team into shape. That bodes well for Mike McCoy. They also made real strides on defense this season and Danario Alexander, Malcom Floyd and Vincent Brown will be a formidable trio at receiver, assuming Philip Rivers is upright enough to find them. I bet he is.